The Effect of Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) Hydro-alcoholic Extract on Mild to Moderate Mixed Depression-Anxiety Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes: A Triple-blind Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

Depression and anxiety are the major public health problems worldwide, which may act synergistically. Type 2 diabetes can cause and aggravate mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Saffron as a medicinal plant may attenuate mixed depression and anxiety (MDA).
A total of 54 outpatients with mild to moderate MDA diagnosed by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) were assessed by Beck and Hamilton’s depression and anxiety questionnaires. The patients, in this randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, randomly received 15 mg saffron extract or placebo capsules twice a day for 8 weeks.
After the intervention, depression, anxiety and MDA were significantly (P The study results suggest that saffron shows attenuating effect on mild to moderate MDA in patients with type 2 diabetes.